“This does not mean it for me. For me the national team is over. I’ve done everything I can, it hurts not to be a hero,” he said the player, 29-year-old forward after the defeat against Chile in the Copa America.

With Barcelona, Messi has won eight Spanish league titles and four Champions League trophies.

However, the only major international honor is the 2008 Olympic gold medal.

Argentina defeated Germany 1-0 in the 2014 World Cup final by two Copa America final defeats Chile on penalties. Messi was also on the losing against Brazil in the final of the Copa America 2007 side.

“It’s been four finals, I tried, and it was something that he wants more, but I could not get it, so I think it’s over,” he added.

“I think this is the best of all. First and foremost for me, and then for all. I think there are a lot of people who want this, which obviously are not satisfied, and we are not satisfied to reach the final and not win.

“It is extremely difficult, but the decision-making. Now I will not try more and there will be no turning back.”

Messi scored five goals in the tournament, including a magnificent free kick in the semi-final match at home to the United States to become his country’s record scorer with 55 goals.